Best Songs of the 2000's - The Rest

There were some songs that I love that really don't have a category or fall into one that I don't have enough knowledge of to do a list. So here is the best of the rest (in no particular order):

New York, New York - Ryan Adams

Hey There Delilah - Plain White T's

Wonderous Life - The Drams

Accidental Babies - Damien Rice

100 Years - Five For Fighting

Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol

Miami - Counting Crows

Portions For Foxes - Rilo Kiley

Perfect Situation - Weezer

Your Ex-Lover Is Dead - Stars

Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Boston - Augustana

Falling Slowly - Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova

Hurt - Johnny Cash

Rain - Patty Griffin

4th of July - Shooter Jennings

Long Time Gone - Dixie Chicks

Van Lear Rose - Loretta Lynn

The Good Kind - The Wreckers

Wagon Wheel - Old Crow Medicine Show

I Go Back - Kenny Chesney

I Hope You Dance - Leann Womack

Forever Young - Youth Group

Absolutely (The Story of a Girl) - Nine Days

Breathe - Anna Nalick


Note: I could not find tracks for "Van Lear Rose" or "Wonderous Life"

Best Songs of the 2000's - Hip Hop/R&B

What a decade for Hip Hop and R&B! When I was putting this list together I had the worst time trying to do just twenty-five. Of all my lists this one could have gone on for one hundred easily. Then when I did get things down to twenty-five I had a tough time ranking them. But here goes:

#25. I Love College - Asher Roth

Who didn't love college?

#24. Side 2 Side - Three 6 Mafia

A great song for all the guys who don't dance.

#23. My Block - Scarface

Life in the 'hood and why I can't leave.

#22. Ridin' - Chamillionaire

Can you see me ridin' dirty? I can. Whatever that is...

#21. Switch - Will Smith

A great little dance tune and a return to form for Will Smith.

#20. The Next Episode - Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg

We were chillin' for this song for a long time.

#19. Where Is The Love? - Black Eyed Peas featuring Justin Timberlake

You gotta love hearing the C.I.A., The Bloods, The Crips and KKK all name dropped as terrorists.

#18. It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp - Terrance Howard

It truly is hard out here for a pimp. Story of my life.

#17. Try Again - Aaliya

Timbaland produced this excellent track for Aaliya and it only makes me wonder what that collaboration would have produced in the future.

#16. Single Ladies - Beyonce

I dare you not to sing along. Or dance...

#15. Gold Digger - Kanye West

Kanye West is an egotistical douchebag! But damn, he writes catchy songs.

#14. Lap Dance - N.E.R.D.

A song about one of my favorite things. You figure it out.

#13. I Try - Macy Gray

One of the most recognizable voices of the decade.

#12. If I Ain't Got You - Alicia Keys

Desperation and pleading all tied up in a perfect bow.

#11. Jesus Walks - Kanye West

Kanye West is an egotistical, entitled douchebag! But damn, he writes good songs.

#10. In Da Club - 50 Cent

Did anyone know 50 was shot nine times?

#9. Drop It Like It's Hot - Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams together. I need a moment...

#8. Ms. Jackson - Outkast

Forever? Forever ever?

#7. Yeah! - Usher

This one will be a dance floor favorite twenty years from now.

#6. Ride Wit Me - Nelly

This may be the perfect summer song.

#5. Stan - Eminem

Eminem knows how to bring the creepy. Just look at that performance with Elton John at the Grammys.

#4. 99 Problems - Jay-Z

At least Beyonce didn't make his list.

#3. Ignition (Remix) - R. Kelly

What do you do when you're wrapped up in a sex scandal? Produce a song about sex of course.

#2. Lose Yourself - Eminem

Eminem ruled this decade but this is his masterpiece.

#1. Hey Ya - Outkast

One of the happiest songs about a break-up ever. I wish they could all feel this much fun.

The Best Songs of the 2000's - Rock

Rock is kin of a catch all category but all of the these songs belong here. Once again there were plenty more songs that could have been on this list but these are the songs that were most memorable for me.

25. Stand Up - The Arcade Fire (2005)

Any song that is driving and earnest then double times into a Motown beat is alright with me.

24. Visions Of Paradise - Mick Jagger (2002)

Jagger went solo and brought along some friends. Rob Thomas wrote this song and should probably just stick to that.

23. Send The Pain Below - Chevelle (2003)

A big rock anthem for the boys and girls to scream along to.

22. Jaded - Aerosmith (2001)

The best Aerosmith song since the early 90's.

21. Hanging By A Moment - Lifehouse (2001)

Very sincere and angst-y all at the same time.

20. Cochise - Audioslave (2002)

Big and bombastic, exactly what Chris Cornell shines at doing.

19. Pictures Of You - The Last Goodnight (2007)

Can you count every movie trailer this one was in?

18. California - Phantom Planet (2002)

This song came out long before The O.C. premiered but the two will always be linked.

17. Stay Together For The Kids - Blink 182 (2001)

Bleak and heartbreaking, the complete opposite of 98% of Blink 182's catalog.

16. Dare You To Move - Switchfoot (2004)

This song builds slowly to a rousingly huge crescendo. I dare you to drive the seed limit while this song plays.

15. No One Knows - Queens of the Stone Age (2002)

...that's all I've got

14. How Far We've Come - matchboxtwenty (2007)

I love a good end of the world song.

13. Sweetness - Jimmy Eat World (2002)

A great sing along.

12. Common People - William Shatner (2005)

The Shat covers Pulp and brings it hard.

11. Beautiful Day - U2 (2000)

U2's return to their roots and a fan favorite for decades to come.

10. Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day (2005)

Both stark and powerful at the same time.

9. Drops Of Jupiter - Train (2001)

What a great way to start out a decade. In the pre-911 world this song set the tone for a bright future.

8. Use Somebody - Kings of Leon (2009)

Their masterpiece. Hopefully they haven't peaked yet.

7. Vertigo - U2 (2004)

When U2 brings the rock they don't mess around.

6. Sugar, We're Going Down - Fall Out Boy (2005)

Whatever the hell emo is I wish it was all this upbeat.

5. I'm Not Okay (I Promise) - My Chemical Romance (2004)

All the mistakes you've ever made are rolled up in the lyrics to this song. Sounds lt was a fun time.

4. Mr. Brightside - The Killers (2004)

When you write one good verse why not just sing it twice? And put Eric Roberts in your video to add some sleaze.

3. Walk On - U2 (2001)

The song that helped heal the post-911 world.

2. Move Along - All-American Rejects (2006)

Both a rock anthem and a self help motivational poster. Does it get any better?

1. The Rising - Bruce Springsteen (2002)

After the attacks on New York City Springsteen went back to the studio and recorded a masterpiece. Although it doesn't specifically mention the attacks or the aftermath it definitely channels the feelings in the air.

Here is a playlist of the songs in the list. Note that "Visions of Paradise" by Mick Jagger is missing. I could not find a track for it.

Best Songs of the 2000's - Pop

Slimming down a really long list of songs to just 25 is no easy feat. There are many more songs that could have been on this list but just missed the cut. So here is my list of the 25 best Pop songs of the 2000's.

25. Gotta Get Over You - Aslyn (2005)

Aslyn's 2005 debut was a pop music delight but failed to garner her the success she deserves. Gotta Get Over You is the stand out track on an album full of stellar music. Do yourself a favor and seek out this overlooked treasure.

24. The Show - Lenka (2008)

It's impossible to get this song out of your head. One listen and for the rest of day you'll be humming along.

23. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas (2009)

I wasn't sure what list to put this one on but it's definitely pop music. Just try and not have a good time when this song plays.

22. White Houses – Vanessa Carlton (2004)

A great little song about that time in your life when you're learning about who you are, mistakes and all.

21. Your Body Is A Wonderland - John Mayer (2002)

John Mayer's sweet little song about sexual inadequacy. Maybe a little too honest there John....

20. These Words - Natasha Bedingfield (2005)

Quite possibly the best written pop song I've ever heard. And the lyrics are a blueprint for writing a song. Plus, what other song name drops Byron, Shelley and Keats?

19. Escape - Enrique Iglesias (2002)

Just a lot of fun and catchy as hell. And maybe just a little creepy and stalker-ish with the line "You can run, you can hide but you can't escape my love."

18. Paper Planes - M.I.A. (2008)

Maybe the oddest song on this list. M.I.A. doesn't shy away from bizarre subject matter or unique samples like gun shots or cash register bells.

17. Just Like A Pill - Pink (2002)

Less pop and more rock that Pink had on her first album, this dark little song about drugs and fear transformed the once R&B singer into a rock diva.

16. Breathless - The Corrs (2000)

The Corrs have been big in Europe since the mid-nineties but finally found success in America with 2000's Breathless. And that's one family tree I'd like to climb.

15. Back Here - BB Mak (2000)

Boy bands were all the rage in the early 2000's and BB Mack rode that formula to mainstream success. One and done just the way it should be.

14. Paparazzi - Lady GaGa (2009)

Lady GaGa is an odd one to say the least and this bizarre little song about love and obsession is a defining moment for her.

13. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley (2006)

I have no idea what category this song actually belongs in but damn is it great!

12. Beautiful - Christina Aguilera (2002)

This song will be performed at drag shows and burlesque reviews for decades to come. Way to grad your niche and run with it Christina.

11. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz (2008)

Mr. A-Z really captures the feel of summer romance with this happy little ditty. Steel guitars and ukuleles never sounded so good.

10. Disturbia - Rihanna (2008)

I know what you're thinking right now: "Dum dum dee da bum bum dee dum da"

9. Clumsy - Fergie (2007)

The best track from a mess of an album.

8. She Will Be Loved - Maroon 5 (2004)

A sweet little song about love and the things one will do to prove it. One of the best dramatic pauses since Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You.

7. Pieces Of Me - Ashlee Simpson (2003)

Proof that a good producer and Pro Tools can polish up anyone's mediocre vocals and send them straight to #1. Still, it's a good song.

6. A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton (2002)

You know you turn up the radio every time you hear that opening piano riff. This song was inescapable back in 2002 and is still featured in jewelry commercials today.

5. Sexyback - Justin Timberlake (2006)

Who doesn't like Justin Timberlake? A great dance floor song that encourages everyone to "Get your sexy on."

4. Don't Let Me Get Me - Pink (2002)

Pink came out swinging on her second album Missundaztood and this little slice of self loathing took her to pop stardom.

3. Toxic - Britney Spears (2004)

In a decade that say Britney rise and fall and rise again this was her shining moment. Well, it was her second shining moment...

2. Cry Me A River - Justin Timberlake (2002)

What do you do when your girlfriend cheats on you? Write a song about it and garner success that overshadows her own. I think Justin won this breakup. And speaking of Justin...

1. Bye Bye Bye - N*Sync (2000)

I think it's safe to say that this was the decade of Timberlake. This is the third entry for Justin in the my top 5 and it's deserved. Bye Bye Bye debuted in January of 2000 and kick started a decade of pop music.

And if you are curious about any of these songs here is a playlist for you to listen to:

Best of Television - Canceled

I probably could have done a top 20 list for this one but I think these are the best shows that weren't given their proper due. My criteria for making this list was almost exclusively that the series aired for less than three seasons. Something of note is that six of these shows were on FOX. Could there be a trend?





#10 Reunion (2005, FOX)

Friendships that span twenty years are investigated after one friend is murdered at their twenty year high school reunion. This show had an interesting premise in the way every episode covered a different year. The pop culture references were more than a little heavy handed and I often wondered how they would do a season two as twenty years would be a complete season. But FOX didn't even let the investigation get past the mid-nineties.





#9 Aliens In America (2007-08 The CW)

What happens when a Muslim Pakastni foreign exchange student comes to live with a white, middle class Wisconsin family? Can you say culture shock? The awkward humor and cultural miscommunication say a lot about a post 9/11 America and our perceptions of others. The CW put this gem in a Sunday night death slot and it lasted only one season. I would have loved to see how Raj viewed our last Presidential election.





#8 The Loop (2006, 2007 FOX)

Sam Sullivan has graduated college and is on the fast track at his work with a major airline. At home his brother and two female roommates are still partying and threatening to ruin his career. FOX aired both seasons during the summer and cut the brother and both female roommates before season two without any explanation. Still, Sam's misadventures were fun but season two arrived DOA. Luckily Hulu has both season's available to watch.





#7 Wonderfalls (2004 FOX)

Jaye Tyler comes from a family of overachievers who cannot figure out why she works at a Niagara Falls gift shop. Then one day fate talks to her in the form of a wax lion. Wonderfalls was a mid-season replacement that was never given a chance. It drew unfair comparisons to Joan of Arcadia and FOX seemed to chang its time slot every week. The dvd set was released with nine episodes that never aired. Funny and offbeat without any explaination or apologies.





#6 Fastlane (2002-04 FOX)

McG produced this show about undercover cops who drive fast cars and party like gangstas. It's true that this series was all style over substance but damn it was fun. Of course FOX put it in the Friday night death slot and resorted to gimmicks like a kiss between Tiffani-Amber Theissen and Jaime Pressly to try and increase ratings. As you can tell we aren't talking about Fastlane's seventh season here.





#5 October Road (2007-08 ABC)

This show could have easily been called Beautiful Girls: The Series. Writer Scott Rosenberg borrowed liberally from his movie script and penned this nice little piece of television. The first season was only six episodes and the second only thirteen but there still was enough heart in those nineteen episodes to keep me coming back. At the very least we were introduced to Odette Yustman (Cloverfield, The Unborn) in this series. Hulu has the entire run available to watch.





#4 Undeclared (2001-02 FOX)

This was Judd Apatow's return to television after the wonderful Freaks and Geeks was treated horribly by NBC. Surely FOX wouldn't do the same.... A half hour dramedy about a co-ed dorm suite of freshmen this show was everything great about Freaks and Geeks but slightly older. All of the Freaks and Geeks cast made appearances as well as Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller and Amy Poehler. But just like NBC did with Freaks and Geeks FOX moved the show to so many time slots that it was impossible to find. It was considered "on the bubble" at the end of the season but did not get at pick up. I wonder what ever happened to that Apatow guy...?





#3 Jericho (2006-08 CBS)

Jericho is a show who's legend has outgrown its reach. It wasn't supposed to last past the initial thirteen episode order but much to the surprise of CBS it was a hit in the fall of 2006. So of course the best thing to do is go on hiatus from early November to late February and then return opposite American Idol. By season's end the ratings had sagged and CBS thought the show too expensive to save so they canceled it. Then the fans revolted by bombarding CBS with twenty tons of nuts. Two weeks later Jericho was picked up for a second season...sorta. Seven episodes were filmed and aired during the spring of 2008 then the show was promptly canceled for good...sorta. In November of 2009 Devil's Due Publishing began printing Jericho Season 3 in comic book form. We win!




#2 Firefly (2002-03 FOX)

How do you beat Jericho's story about a fan base that causes the network to solicit a second season? How about a fan base who forces the production company to make a major motion picture? Joss Whedon's space western is a masterpiece of bizarre. No aliens or lasers (sorta) but plenty of drama and family to go around. Even though Firefly was canceled Whedon did get to finish telling his story once Serenity hit theaters. We win again!





#1 Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006-07 NBC)

Aaron Sorkin is a hell of a writer. I never cared much for The West Wing's political commentary but it was still well written. His follow up was about the backstage workings of a sketch comedy show that was based on Saturday Night Live. Unfortunately NBC had another show called 30 Rock that premiered the same season as Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. And it was funny unlike Studio 60 which focused on the off stage drama behind the scenes. People didn't get it and complained about the obscure entertainment references and preachy rants. Ratings plummeted from those of series lead in Heroes and the show was canceled. But Sorkin had a clause in his contract that made NBC produce and air all twenty-two episodes so he had time to write and film an ending to this wonderful show. Do yourself a favor and got to Hulu to watch the entire run.

Best of Television - Cable

This list contains television shows from both basic cable channels as well as premium cable channels. Now, before I start receiving angry emails about certain shows that didn't make my list (I know the Battlestar Galactica and Sopranos fans are going to spit bile), I want to stress that I made this list from shows I have actually watched and/or liked.




#10 Invader Zim (2001-03, Nickelodeon)

Nickelodeon didn't have a clue what to do with this offbeat cartoon when it was delivered back in 2001. But it found its footing and has become a popular cult hit. Too bad there isn't any plans to resurrect the franchise in the future.



#9. Grim & Evil / The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy (2001-07, Cartoon Network)

The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy started out as a packaged series splitting time with Evil Con Carne before it spun off into its own series. It was hard not to feel sorry for Grim as he had to put up with the dimwitted Billy and purely evil Mandy. I have to say that the Little Miss Scurvy episode has one of the best surprise endings ever.




#8. Rome (2005-07, HBO)

Historical accuracy be damned. Rome us gave a look into ancient Roman practices and politics that was both beautiful and brutal. Too bad production costs caused the fall of this Roman empire all too soon.




#7. Nip/Tuck Seasons 2 & 3 (2004-05, FX)

I caught this sexually and violently graphic show at the end of the first season and liked it well enough but the second season took things to a new level. The mystery of The Carver and the sexual assault of one of the main characters in the second season's finale made for a long wait for season three. And that season delivered...until the final episode. Nip/Tuck always played on the absurdity of plastic surgery but the last fifteen minutes of the season three finale pushed the limits of how far the audience is willing to suspend reality.




#6.Robot Chicken (2005-present, Cartoon Network)

Seth Green took his love of toys and made it into one of the best television shows on the air. The Star Wars episodes alone are worth the time spent watching this gem but just the way Green and company skewer pop culture is brilliant.




#5. Entourage (2004-present, HBO)

I want to be Vinnie Chase when I grow up. Hell, I'll take being Johnny Drama. This series about Hollywood and an up and coming actor with an asshole agent. Jeremy Piven was born to play the outrageously offensive Ari Gold. This is a do not miss for me.




#4. Greek (2007-present, ABC Family)

Anyone think that a show about the Greek system on a fictitious college campus should air on ABC Family? Me either but somehow it works. Scott Michael Foster should be a big star and Spencer Grammer may be the best thing her father Kelsey has ever created. More comedy than drama and more beer drinking than any "family" show should ever have.




#3. Californication (2007-present, Showtime)

I take back what I said earlier, I want to be Hank Moody when I grow up. On the surface this is just a vehicle for David Duchuvny to drink and screw his way through to an Emmy. But once you get below the surface and inspect the relationship between Hank and his daughter Becca, a real sense of Hank's mid-life crisis and inability to grow up shines through. And there's more T&A in this show than a strip club. Love it!




#2. True Blood (2008-present, HBO)

This is a very unique new take on the vampire mythos. Set in a fictitious Louisiana town and dealing with all kinds of supernatural oddities True Blood delivers some real drama and intriguing characters. Other than Anna Paquin's bad southern accent this series is as close to perfect as it gets. And I want to live in that intro.




#1. Weeds (2005-present, Showtime)

What do you do when you're a widowed mother of three and can't afford to pay for the lifestyle you've become accustomed to? Sell drugs, obviously. Nancy Botwin can't seem to catch a break in life and very time she escapes another near miss with catastrophe she finds herself in yet another messed up situation. Good stuff.

Best of Television - Network

I'm going to do the best of television in three parts each one dealing with a different aspect. This first one is just covering network television (which also includes The WB, UPN and The CW). I have broken a few of these series down into specific seasons and I will elaborate as needed to explain my rationale on each. But before I get into the top shows here is an honorable mention:




Scrubs (2001-present NBC, ABC)

The reason this gem didn't make my top list is because as good as it is I have never been compelled to watch it regularly. Zach Braff became a star and it's nice to know Sarah Chalke for something other than being Becky #2. Too bad the move to ABC ruined a once brilliant show.




#10 The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2005-present, CBS)

The Late Late Show has seen many incarnations and many hosts since 1962 but Craig Ferguson by far is the funniest man in late night television. And you've got to love any show willing to use puppets as an attraction.




#9 Heroes Season 1 (2006-07, NBC)

Heroes started out so good when it debuted and held America captive up until that lackluster season finale. No show has done the slow burn better that Heroes did in it's first season but because it wanted to be the anti-Lost it burned through story lines too fast and eventually lost momentum. The writer's strike in 2007 ground this show to a halt and it never recovered but that first season was tv magic.




#8 My Name Is Earl (2005-09, NBC)

I still can't believe this show ever made it on television let alone a major network. When it debuted I knew it was a special show but figured it wouldn't last a full season and wind up on the brilliant but canceled list that seems to grow all too fast. But it made it four seasons as one of NBC's best, but probably it's most misunderstood shows.




#7 Grounded For Life (2001-005 FOX, The WB)

This was the little sit-com that could in a lot of ways. It started out as a mid-season replacement on FOX, was canceled two episodes into its third season and then ran for two more seasons on The WB. Donal Logue and Megyn Price played a wonderful married couple who were in over their heads with a teen aged daughter and two trouble making boys. The way the episodes played out with multiple flashbacks and out of order storytelling was innovative but slightly confusing to most viewers. And Megyn Price gets my vote to be included in the top ten hottest tv moms.




#6 The O.C. Season 1 (2003-04, FOX)

The teen drama was thought dead in 2003. All the big shows had gone off the air and reality television had a stranglehold on ratings. But then FOX (as it had in the early 90's with Beverly Hills, 90210) took a flier on a new drama about a troubled teen who moves in with a rich family and The O.C. took over the world...for a minute. Josh Schwartz struck gold with this first season but by season two he wasn't working as closely on the show and it began to fail miserably. Though the show did get better in the third season with the addition of Autumn Reeser and Willa Holland but the damage was done and season four was its final. Still, that first season is perfect and one of the best written shows on this list.




#5 The Big Bang Theory (2007-present, CBS)

A sit-com about four scientists who read comic books and debate endlessly about Star Trek while spouting scientific method liberally. Who would ever have thought this show would become a ratings juggernaut on Monday nights? It routinely wins its time slot against Monday Night Football and its audience seems to grow every week. Johnny Galeki may be best known for playing David on Roseanne but he has proven himself to be more than a supporting actor. Plus, Sara Gilbert and Laurie Metcalf have been on the show and I'm just waiting for more Roseanne alum to make appearances.




#4 How I Met Your Mother (2005-present, CBS)

Since this show has anchored Monday nights for CBS since it debuted it's hard to believe it was on the verge of cancellation at the end of its second season. But this spiritual successor to Friends just keeps getting better. I do not believe there will ever be a more likable douche bag than Barney Stinson. If this show had not be so legen...wait for it...dary, we wouldn't have The Big Bang Theory so for that it ranks a spot higher.




#3 Veronica Mars (2004-07 The WB, The CW)

If only more people could have watched this show from the beginning we might still be watching Veronica and all the 09ers. This show was pretty much dead on arrival in its third season because the newly formed The CW had no idea what to do with it. It was a lot like Lost because it had to be watched from the beginning and even at the end of season three the events from the first episode were making an impact on the characters. This show dealt with some pretty dark subject matter but had powerful fans, both Kevin Smith and Joss Whedon guest stared because of there love of the show.




#2 Angel (1999-2004, The WB)

I know this show actually started in 1999 but since most of its run was this decade I included it. Much like Buffy The Vampire Slayer this show didn't find its footing until midway through the second season with a game changing twist. Granted the fourth season is mediocre at best but the superb fifth season was a great way to go out. Even if it wasn't supposed to be the last year. And I'm gonna say it now, Angel was a better show than Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Let the hate mail begin....




#1 Lost (2004-10, ABC)

J.J. Abrams is a genius. This show has been an incredible ride from the opening shot of Jack waking up in the forest five years ago. Every time we have thought we had something figured out the writers throw another game changer at us. The use of flash fowards in the third season finale and the way the fifth season's premiere picked up right where the third season finale left off are brilliant storytelling tools that will echo for years to come. I can't wait to see how it all ends next spring!

My Top 50 Films of the 2000's part 5

This is it, the top 10 movies of the decade. To be honest this was really hard to rank and as early as yesterday I was still rearranging the order a bit. These movies struck a chord with me as well as many others and years later I am still drawn to watching them. SO I hope you enjoy and I will start my top television picks later this week.





10. The Devil's Rejects (2005)

I was never a fan of House of 1000 Corpses so I almost skipped over this sequel but I am so glad I didn't. Rob Zombie is a very talented director and he knows how to frame a shot to draw the right amount of suspense and terror. He also knows how to use music as a backdrop for without overpowering the performances on screen. Also, this movie gets my vote for best use of the song "Freebird." I want to go out like that.





9. Saved! (2004)

I went to a private Christian school so this movie really spoke to me. As someone who has struggled with religion for most of my life I have always feared that the Hillary Fay's of the world would be right and I'd just have to swallow my questions and suck it up. This movie had the unfortunate timing to be released around the same time as Mean Girls and drew many comparisons but Saved! is a much deeper movie about love and forgiveness and just how skewered some people's perception of faith have become. And any movie that ruffles the feathers of Jerry Falwell is alright with me.





8. The Wrestler (2008)

Mickey Rourke was robbed for the Oscar on this one. The line between Randy The Ram's redemption and Rourke's blurs so much that it's hard to determine who we're really watching. Plus Marissa Tomei it perfect as a single mother who strips to pay the bills. I cannot recommend this movie enough and given a few more years it might climb even higher on this list.





7. A Knight's Tale (2001)

It got our first glimpse of Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You in 1999 but this was the one that made him a star. Many people didn't like this movie because of the modern music used in Medieval Europe but really the music made it fun. When this hit premium cable outlets back in 2001 my roommates and I chased it around the dial for months. Many times it we would watch the first half of the movie before going out then catch the end of it when we returned later in the night. Still good all these years later.



6. Superbad (2007)

Too many times in teen comedies there is a real air of wish fulfillment, Superbad does not fulfill any wish a normal human being would wish for. I chose this movie over several other Judd Apatow movies because of it's realistic dialogue and buddy movie feel. And because it is probably the most balanced of all his movies. Plus we now have "I am McLovin" as a pop culture reference.





5. The Dark Knight (2008)

This is only the second comic book super hero movie on my list but by far it is the best. Batman Begins is a great origin story but The Dark Knight far outscores with wonderful performances from Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman and of course Heath Ledger. It's too bad that we will never again see Ledger's Joker but we will always have this magnificent final bow from a an actor who was taken far too soon.





4. The Virgin Suicides (2000)

Sofia Coppola is a phenomena director. It's one thing to have a famous last name but to actually live up to that name with three spectacular movies in a decade is unheard of (Marie Antoinette didn't make my top 50 but it surely would have made it into the top 100). And as good as Kirsten Dunst is in this movie James Woods outshines everyone. The melancholy tone and washed out visuals really set the mood and draws the audience in to the tragedy to come. And the use of music is second to none. Well, it actually is second to one other....





3. Clerks 2 (2006)

Kevin Smith goes back to the well and makes a movie for a generation moving into middle age. Clerks struck a chord with my generation and Clerks 2 is a beautiful crescendo into adulthood. At the core of Smith's films there has always been a heart and this one has more heart than any romantic comedy. The donkey show is funny but it's not the centerpiece of this film, this movie is all about the bromance. Dante and Randall have always had a symbiotic relationship but here we see just how deep that relationship runs. The perfect end to a long strange trip.





2. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)

The lone documentary on this list. But even though it is a documentary there may never be a greater villain than Billy Mitchell or a greater underdog than Steve Wiebe (pronounced Webee). Even though this is a story about Wiebe's run at the Donkey Kong world record and the obstacles he must over come it really is a redemption story of sorts for Steve Sanders. We see Steve go from an admitted liar about video game scores to Billy Mitchell's best friend and Twin Gallaxy referee to seeing that Steve Wiebe is a legitimate contender and stand up guy. And if nothing else you have got to love a movie that boasts a charcter named Mr. Awesome.




1. Almost Famous (2000)

When I started making this list I wrote this movie in at number one and then filled in the rest. Kate Hudson became a star in this movie and has yet to do anything close to this good. The same can sorta be said for Cameron Crowe. His "love letter to rock n roll" sparks a feeling that few films do and really captures the magic of that time in life when nothing matters more than the music (or whatever that thing is that moves you) that enhances your life. Plus Elton John should cut Crowe in on some of the royalties he garnered after the world saw that beautiful use of "Tiny Dancer." What a great way to start out a decade for film.

My Top 50 Films of the 2000's part 4

The rankings on these ten movies where probably the toughest to do. Any of them could have moved up a notch or five without upsetting the list. But in the end I think this is more than fair. So, for your approval, here is #20-11. Enjoy.



20. Wonder Boys (2000)

What a spectacular cast! And since seeing this movie I can't tell you how many times my friends and I have sat and made up stories about random people in public. Michael Douglas is great as an aging writer who is carrying on an affair with a married woman. So good.



19. Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

I knew about the stage play for a couple years before this movie was released and was a little skeptical. But my goodness, this is a great film. And the music! I think I might need a little alone time...



18. Big Fish (2003)

The relationship between father and son is both difficult and wonderful all at the same time and in this movie Tim Burton transcends his normal style over substance approach to really capture that dynamic. I dare you to watch the final 15 minutes of this movie without crying.



17. Old School (2003)

I lived this movie. When the television spots for this first hit my ex-wife turned to me and asked if I had written a movie. And we all know someone who is our own Frank The Tank. You're my boy, Blue!!




16. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

I hated The Odyssey when I read it in high school. Luckily the Cohen brothers know how to boil a story down to its basic elements and let the actors find their own space. George Clooney is incredible and the soundtrack made Bluegrass cool again.



15. Stardust (2007)

This slid underneath the radar when it was released. I think too many people lumped it in with the plethora of fantasy flicks that were emerging and just moved on. Claire Danes shines (literally) as a fallen star and Robert De Niro is spectacular as a gay lightning pirate. Do yourself a favor and give this one a look.



14. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)

John C. Riley is a comic mastermind. His understated delivery and awkward looks make for brilliant movie moments. The cast of character actors really make this a better movie than it should be. And Riley's singing is the cherry on top of this tasty comic cake.




13. Cloverfield (2008)
Not since The Blair Witch Project has a movie done viral marketing better. For six months prior to the release of this modern monster movie there was endless speculation about the plot, the name and the general story behind this film. And on top of it all the movie delivered on all the hype. Even since the movie was released there are still tidbits and factoids about this film that are being discovered. And at the heart of the movie is a love story. J.J. Abrams is a genius.





12. Serenity (2005)

The movie based on a failed television series that was demanded by a rabid fan base that never should have been. I could have easily put this in the top ten based solely on one of the greatest space battle scenes of all time. I watched Serenity before I ever watched Firefly and I had no trouble following the movie. This is a testament to Joss Whedon's ability to write a great story that is both over arcing and self contained. Sci-fi must see.

11. High Fidelity (2000)

This movie made Jack Black a household name. I was working at a record store when this came out and much like Clerks this spoke to me in a way that few movies have. John Cusack is great as a record store owner trying to make things work with his ex-girlfriend and come to terms with where he is in life. The perfect prescription for someone who is going through a mid-life crisis.

My Top 50 Films of the 2000's part 3

Here is #30-21. It has gotten a little harder to rank these movies because they are all so good. But I think these rankings are fair.




30. The Wackness (2008)

Ben Kingly is absolutely amazing in this film about a teen aged drug dealer and his therapist. Set in New York City circa 1994 before Rudy Giuliani cleaned things up, the tone film really reflects the times without being heavy handed or pandering. Well worth your time.





29. Cold Mountain (2003)

It's amazing that an Aussie and and Brit can play such convincing southerners. Cold Mountain is a great movie about love and loss during a time of war. And the battle scenes are both brutal and beautiful all at once.





28. Finding Nemo (2003)

The movie that sent a million clown fish down the toilet to a grand adventure. Pixar really knocked this one out of the park but the real star of this film is Ellen Degeneres' Dory. Who doesn't want to have a sidekick who can speak whale?



27. Iron Man (2008)

Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark. This is the best origin story of all the superhero films that have cropped up in the last decade. Too bad Terrence Howard couldn't make things work for Iron Man 2.



26. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Michel Gondry knows how to create stunning visuals that complement the story without over shadowing it. Jim Carey and Kate Winslet both turn in career performances as well as Kirsten Dunst in a supporting role.


25. Sideways (2004)

Neither of the main characters in this movie are likable. Paul Giamatti's Miles steals money from his mother and Thomas Hayden Church's Jack is constantly cheating on his fiance. But still, you find yourself pulling for Miles by the time the movie is done. And Virginia Madsen is hot!!




24. Once (2006)

This one will make you both fall in love and break your heart at the same time. And the music is magnificent. What more can I say?


23. A Mighty Wind (2003)

Christopher Guest does it again. This mockumentary really has a heart and the heartbreak between Mitch and Mickey falls off the screen like a anvil. Plus we get a reunion of sorts from Spinal Tap.



22. Hustle & Flow (2005)

It's hard out there for a pimp and Djay has it real hard. But he has a dream to be a rapper and nothing is gonna stand in his way. Terrence Howard turns in a star making performance here.



21. Lost In Translation (2003)

Sofia Coppola really captures the isolation of a washed up actor and a neglected child bride who are both out of their comfort zone. And Bill Murray proves that he can do more than comedy once again.

My Top 50 Films of the 2000's part 2

These movies were fairly easy to rank although many of them are very good and might warrant reconsideration at a later date.



40. Bobby (2006)

This movies really brings out stellar performances from several actors that aren't known for having range. Plus the subject matter is drawn from one of America's darker political moments. Even Lindsey Lohan shines here.




39. Watchmen (2009)

Zach Snyder took a property that I've never really liked and turned it into a must see. Hardcore fans complain about the change to the ending but did we really need a giant squid?



38. Fanboys (2009)

This movie took a 2 year journey through post production hell but still managed to emerge as a love letter to Star Wars and its fandom. And I love a movie that spends an hour and a half to set up the final joke.



37. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)

Outside of the behind the scenes drama that this production was wrapped in this is a really good action movie. Granted it is a bit far fetched at times but still it's a lot of fun to watch.




36. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

This one caught everyone by surprise. Anne Hathaway is beautiful and pitch perfect as an intern for the wicked witch of fashion. And Meryl Streep plays a wonderfully evil bitch. She should play this role more.


35. American Pie 2 (2001)

Who would have thought that the sequel to a raunchy teen comedy would be better than the original? And it had a lot of heart. Too bad the franchise has been turned into a straight to dvd hackfest.




34. Unbreakable (2000)

In my opinion the only good movie M. Night Shaymalan has done to date. The "twist" at the end wasn't fantastical or out of character for the movie's tone. I really hope the much talked about sequel happens.




33. Grindhouse (2007)

Two great movies for one low price. But audiences didn't know what to make of it and it tanked at the box office. Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof is my favorite of the two and Kurt Russell is amazing as Stuntman Mike. And the fake trailers are better than most actual movies being produced these days.




32. Black Snake Moan (2007)

Where to begin? Christina Ricci is great. Samuel L. Jackson is great. Even Justin Timberlake is great. The dirty south never looked better.




31. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Steve Carell and Alan Arkin shine in this offbeat little comedy. And that dance routine at the end is one for the ages.